1953

Sitting on the beautiful Green on a glorious day, taking in another won- derful Commencement Day exercise, I took in thepomp and ceremony, the speeches and, above all, the people who make this annual event so special. I was able to reflect back to many other commencements that I have attended and realize that though the people had changed and the speakers had been good and bad, there is a same- ness to it all. Smiling parents and grandparents, filled with pride at their progenies’ accomplish- ments, happily talked among themselves, and the students, joyful and ebullient, conveyed to all of us a sense of hope and renewal as they prepared to depart into the unknown world. There were the people on the dais, their professors and other wise persons ushering them into their great adventure of life with praise, sage advice and inspirational talk. Emotions radiated throughout the Green. I found a certain comfort as I sensed the stability of process. In spite of the dynamics of new ideas and new demands, this was the base from which our leaders were taking off as they had for so many years before. It was truly inspiring.

I spotted Lillian Goss, who was attending her granddaughter’s graduation. Sorrowfully for us, Lillian will be leaving Hanover and heading to Connecticut shortly. If anyone is interested in buying her home on Goose Pond in Hanover or her house in Wilder, Vermont, please get in touch with her. She will be missed. Also leaving Hanover are Bonnie and Dave Siegel. They are heading to Tulsa, Oklahoma. They too will be sorely missed. We hope they will continue to contribute their time and effort for our class. After 20 years of dedicated service Robert Douglass has stepped down as chair- man of the Downtown Alliance of New York. In her tribute to Robert, Joan Lappin, the president of the alliance, said, among other things, that the mark which he has left upon Manhattan, the city and the state was indelible.

Sadly, I must report the deaths of Curt Bury, Bruce Holt and Sam O’Shea and offer, on behalf of the class, our sincere condolences to their families.

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